Manteca police get new mode of transportation

The Manteca Police Department plans on getting six new segways as part of its effort to be mobile and cut down on emissions.

The department received a $46,775 grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to make the purchases.

Chief Nick Obligacion said he applied for the grant a year and a half ago, when he was a lieutenant.

The segways now just have to be approved by the Manteca City Council on Tuesday, but Obligacion said he doesn't expect any opposition -- citing that the segways will be used not only by the police department, but perhaps other city departments, as well.

Obligacion said the segways will be used by officers during special events, such as the downtown fair, to be held on Main Street the first weekend of April.

The Manteca Convention and Visitors Bureau said the segways are a great idea, allowing police to be more mobile and giving residents something to go up to police to talk about.

Obligacion hops his department will be on the segways by next month. If so, it would be the first Central Valley police department to have them.

Right now, private security at malls, shopping centers and even college campuses can be seen riding the two-wheeled electric vehicles.

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